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Hiker Airlifted From Ponoig Mountain After Injury During Descent

Polop de la Marina / 8 June 2026

A 40-year-old woman was rescued by helicopter after suffering an ankle injury while descending from the summit of Ponoig Mountain in Polop de la Marina, prompting a major emergency response by specialist mountain rescue teams.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning when the hiker reportedly sprained her ankle approximately 400 metres below the summit of Ponoig, one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Marina Baixa region of Alicante Province.

Emergency services received the alert at 10:38am, triggering the deployment of the Alicante Provincial Fire Consortium's Special Rescue Group (GER) alongside a rescue helicopter. The woman was unable to continue her descent due to the injury and required specialist assistance in difficult mountainous terrain.

Rescue personnel located the injured hiker and carried out an on-site assessment before immobilising her ankle with a splint. Due to the location and nature of the injury, crews determined that an aerial evacuation was the safest option.

Specialist rescuers then used a helicopter winch operation to lift the woman from the mountainside before transporting her to the helipad in Finestrat, where medical teams were waiting to provide further treatment.

The rescue operation concluded at 12:48pm, just over two hours after emergency services were first alerted.

Ponoig, often referred to as the "Sleeping Lion" because of its distinctive profile, rises more than 1,100 metres above sea level and is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding climbs in the Marina Baixa. The mountain attracts thousands of walkers and outdoor enthusiasts each year thanks to its spectacular views across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea and the Mediterranean coastline.

Mountain rescue teams regularly remind hikers to wear appropriate footwear, carry sufficient water and carefully assess weather conditions before setting out, particularly during the warmer summer months when dehydration and injuries can increase the risk of emergencies.

The incident highlights the important role played by specialist rescue crews across Alicante Province, where emergency services frequently respond to incidents involving hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts navigating the region's mountainous terrain.

The woman is understood to have suffered injuries consistent with an ankle sprain and was transferred to medical professionals for further assessment following the rescue.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.